Report # 128 Day at Sea - The Great Barrier Reef & Far North Region March 14, 2020 Saturday Partly sunny & 78 degrees

What a difference a day makes.  And that is a really loaded statement.  As most everyone already is aware, it was announced at high noon by Captain Mercer that this world cruise will be ending in Freemantle (Perth), Australia on March 24^th.  Well, so much for all of the anxious speculation that has circulating among the guests.  Can't say we were surprised, as the situation with the coronavirus has been escalating at a rapid speed this last week.  Once Princess Cruise Lines suspended their ships sailings, we expected it was a matter of time that Holland America Line would follow suit.  The unfortunate aspect of this sudden announcement relayed to us from the corporate offices in Seattle was not well thought out, in our opinion, because the hundreds of pertinent questions we all have were not readily addressed.  Apparently the news leaked well ahead of the ship's personnel to provide a plan for all of us concerned guests.  Now we sit waiting, many biting their nails, trying to figure out the details.  The most immediate question involves air travel, and where do we start to make plans on flying back to the United States.  Those who booked air with HAL will be re-directed.  The majority of us that did independent air will have to figure it out ourselves.  At this very moment, we will have nine days left to get this right, unless the majority of the passengers , who happen to be from North America (USA and Canada), will be successful in pleading with the company to get us back on this ship to the west coast of the USA.  We heard through the grapevine that a petition has been drafted to do just that.  Or, perhaps we are dreaming that any of us have control of this unprecedented situation.  Once the company's plan is revealed, we shall inform all of you.

 

Our breakfast duo waiters, Gan and Danu, mentioned that they were advised that their contracts will extend to mid-June, instead of ending May 12^th.  This would keep them on during the planned dry docking in the Caribbean.  But as the day advanced, and we got the message of the end of this cruise, it was suggested that perhaps this ship will not go for the 30 million dollar retrofit.  It seems nothing is set in stone at this point.

 

Since it was so nice out back, we decided to relax at the Seaview Pool, enjoying the sun while it was out.  Walking the promenade deck earlier, we found it was very humid, but back here, we had a most wonderful breeze.  Barb even joined us to discuss the disturbing message from the Captain.  We are all concerned on how we will get home in a timely manner. 

 

We did get our final delivery of sodas for our President's Club amenity.  The flowers we ordered are not up to snuff, so the delivery will be delayed until after Darwin.  Probably should cancel it and get vitamin water instead.

 

Later in the afternoon, one of us took the time to email family and friends of the recent changes in our itinerary, while the other took a walk, running into friends that had major concerns.  While on his way back, he happened to run into the hotel director, Henk, who invited him into his office to discuss the situation.  He did admit that it was unfortunate that we have no info yet, but he did add not to begin packing as of yet.  He said wait a day.  A tiny bit of encouragement is better than nothing we guess.  Later in the afternoon, we all got a written message from Henk to hang in there, and give the corporate employees a chance to focus on supporting the guests impacted by  these changes.  Obviously, the guests are up in arms and need answers as soon as possible.  His message ended by saying they share our concerns and will continue to do their utmost to ensure the safety and well-being of all on board.  

 

The drama continued at dinner, of course.  This evening's theme was under the sea, a gala event.  Too bad the air-conditioning was not working well, as the fellows all endured the humidity wearing the tux or suit jackets.  We did  have a host, Kristen, the marketing manager on board.  We have known her for three years now, and she is very easy to engage.  Young too.  The only thing she could add concerning our wish to continue sailing towards the west coast of America, was that we were not provisioned to do so at this point.  So this guest petition may not amount to a hill of beans.  

 

Anyway, we both ordered the shrimp cocktail, while escargots and caviar were the alternates.  Entrees for us were halibut fish and chips,  excellent choices according to Greg and Heo, who had the duck, which earned a "just OK".  Desserts were a choice of soufflé, key lime pie, or carrot cake.  We chose the last two, and shared with each other.  It was a toss-up as to which was better.  Kristen added the wine (or Coke), and everyone was happy with that.  

 

"On Tour" was the theme for the Amsterdam's singers and dancers this evening.  They put such energy into  these shows, it really delights the guests.  And we really need a lot of that right now……delightment.

 

Gifts awaited us in our rooms.  They were two Grand World Voyage plates commemorating "The Cruise That Almost Was". How appropriate.  At least someone has a sense of humor, and we can guess who it is…..our hotel director?

 

And the clocks went back ½ hour tonight, which will happen one more time after leaving Darwin in two days.  Wonder what other surprises are awaiting us tomorrow?

 

Bill & Mary Ann